Expert: Mike Mascio - 8/22/2009

Question
I have several impatients that have popped up near a bed where I plant new plants each year. I assume these are some that either have wintered over or are volunteers since they are not the colors of those I've planted this year. Is there a way to encourage impatients to winter over? (This is in Southern Indiana. The flower bed is somewhat protected - on the north side of the house.)

Answer
Unlike other annuals which need deadheading to rebloom, impatiens are self-cleaning, meaning they drop their blooms as they go to seed. Most seeds need a minimum of 6 months of dormancy in order to germinate. This time is even more extended once the soil freezes.

As long as you do not till the soil in late fall or early spring, the impatien seeds, which are very small, will settle in the soil and go dormant for the winter. If you really want to ensure a high number of volunteers next spring, do not pull the plants this fall after they die off. Allow them to stay in place and the seeds will eventually fall onto the soil. The plants will gradually decompose and the seeds will germinate next year.

I hope this answered your question. Please write again if I can ever provide assistance.

Regards,

Mike